 "A Dutch F-16 fighter jet is seen at the Volkel Air Base in Volkel, Netherlands. File Image: Reuters")
The Dutch military on Saturday opened fire on mystery drones flying over Volkel Air Base in the country’s east. However, the country’s Ministry of Defence noted that no wreckage was recovered from the site.
The statement noted that security staff at the base reported the drones flying over the base between 7 pm (local time) and 9 pm.
The detection prompted the air force to fire ground-based weapons “to take them down,” the ministry said in a statement. “The drones left the area and were not recovered,” the statement said.
The Netherlands and neighbouring Belgium had multiple unidentified drone sightings in recent weeks.
Both the Dutch military and civilian police have been investigating the incident, in which it was unclear why the drones were flying above and around the air base.
No further details have been provided in the probe, citing security reasons. It is pertinent to note that the Volkel Air Base is used by the Royal Netherlands Air Force.
After multiple incidents, in the Netherlands, the use of drones near all airports is prohibited for flight safety reasons, in addition to other security reasons around military facilities.
In light of this, Air traffic above the southern Dutch city of Eindhoven has been suspended. Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans said “counter-drone assets” were ready to intervene.
Quick Reads
View AllWhile many Ukrainian allies alleged Russia’s involvement, the Kremlin has constantly denied the accusation that it was involved in them.